Julia Irwin

My research focuses on the place of humanitarian assistance in 20th century U.S. foreign relations and international history. My first major research project focused on the history of U.S. foreign relief efforts in the early 20th century, particularly during the First World War and its aftermath. In my second major research project, I explored the history and politics of U.S. foreign disaster assistance across the 20th century, with a focus on humanitarian emergencies caused by tropical storms, earthquakes, floods, and other natural hazards.

I am currently writing A Very Short Introduction to Humanitarianism for Oxford University Press. I also serve as a founding co-editor of The Journal of Disaster Studies.

Education
PhD, Yale University, 2009
MPhil, Yale University, 2007
MA, Yale University, 2006
BA, Oberlin College, 2004